The First Converts

When Nai Kheng's family arrived in Xieng Khouang, a room in a large brick house on a main street was available for rent.  The house was known to be a haunted house.  Boua Ya Thao, also known as Pho Si, a Hmong shaman who lived across the street was watching to see whether or not Nai Kheng's God was more powerful than the phi [ghosts].  Meanwhile, Jou Sang Thao, a young soldier, was stationed at a French post outside the town of Xieng Khouang while his wife stayed with his cousin Boua Ya Thao in town.  Jou Sang's wife became very sick and Boua Ya did all he could as a shaman to save her.  When all efforts failed and when Jou Sang returned from the military camp, Boua Ya who had heard the news that Nai Kheng was preaching about Fua Tai Yesu [God Jesus], proposed to Jou Sang that they call Nai Kheng over to tell them more about this Fua Tai Yesu.  Ruth Andrianoff recalls, "Nai Kheng came to us and we went to Pho Si's house in the afternoon.  After a short and simple Gospel presentation by Ted and Nai Kheng, they were able to lead Boua Ya's family to Christ.  Pho Si prayed in Hmong, Nai Kheng prayed in Lao, and Ted prayed in English."

-source: page 6, The History of a People Movement The Hmong, by Dr. Timothy T. Vang